With parents like this, it's a miracle that a 2-year-old girl nearly abandoned on a Miami-Dade county bus has survived this long.
After her mom, Gayle Kelson, tried to leave the toddler behind Tuesday, the girl's father showed up to claim the child during a temporary custody hearing Wednesday.
Drunk.
Ronald Devers, wearing a T-Shirt with President Barack Obama and his family on the front, told the judge he had been drinking, but he wanted the child to come stay with him while 25-year-old Kelson faced child neglect charges.
"I know I am very much so fit to take care of this child," Devers said with slurred speech and glazed eyes. "I wasn't drunk. I am just emotional."
Emotions must smell a lot like whiskey or bourbon.
Court room personnel fought to cover their laughs as Devers stumbled to plead his case for custody. The judge eventually rejected the request and ordered Devers out of her courtroom. The Department of Children and Families will continue to care for the toddler and her 7-year-old sibling.
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The father must have a drug and alcohol test before he can visit the child and undergo a mental evaluation.
Before Devers left the courtroom, the judge had a bit of useful advice.
"Next time you come to court, it's better if you're not drinking," she said.
Kelson remains in county lock up.
